Between 2007 and 2008, renewable energy consumption grew by 7 percent, according to a report just issued by the Department of Energy. This is the highest renewable energy estimate going back to 1949 as a result of increased use of biofuels, wind and solar energy, it says.
At the same time, a two percent drop in overall energy consumption occurred in the U.S. last year.
Most of the renewable energy used in 2008 stemmed from biomass and hydroelectric energy. Solar energy, geothermal and wind energy amounted to small portions of the renewable energy range. However, of those categories, wind energy experienced the most growth, the report says.
To date, most renewable energy is relied upon in the electric and industrial sector but is increasingly part of the transportation sector due to growing consumption of biofuels, the report said.
Residential and commercial sectors use the smallest amount of renewable energy, it says.
